Code words work well when someone is around to hear them... but if they are not there, things can get tricky very fast. As the youngest agent on the FBI Art Crime Team, 28-year-old Serena Jones does her best to stay on the right side of being feisty and not fearful. Her mother would rather Serena settle down into a nice normal 9 to 5 job or get married and have kids. There are days when Serena would agree, but for the most part, she loves her job and using her wit and knowledge to track down art thieves. Her own grandfather had been murdered when he tried to stop a thief from stealing a painting and someday she wishes she could crack that case in memory of him. Does she have what it takes to stay in the game?

Back in her hometown of St. Louis, Serena is surprised by an unexpected visit from her good friend Zoe Davids. Zoe had fairly recently been appointed as the temporary head of the art museum's security, and Serena immediately senses there is a work emergency. As Serena pulls out the information from Zoe, Zoe admits two paintings, including a Monet, had gone missing in the spring before she started on the job. The Board doesn't want anyone to know about it. What can she do? Even though Serena realizes this case is colder than Buffalo in winter, she still wants to help. Can they convince the Art Board to let her get on the case? Can she prove her worth? Is she putting Zoe's job at risk?

The cleverly written A FOOL AND HIS MONET has been penned by Sandra Orchard, the award winning author of several inspirational romantic suspense/mysteries. It is the first book in a planned series featuring Serena Jones, a pretty FBI Special Agent who is fast on her feet and knows her Monets. A FOOL AND HIS MONET reads nicely as a stand alone book, and yet it augers well for a series. I for one, am very keen to read more.

With her knowledge of Fine Arts and strong physical stamina, Serena is very interesting as a new agent, and I took an instant liking to her as a character. She is "green" in some areas, yet is both intelligent and intrepid. She has great sense of humour as well as some interesting friends and family members, particularly her Aunt Martha who is intent on being a sleuth herself. A great cast of secondary characters around which to develop future adventures.

With her quirky humour and witty asides, Sandra Orchard has created a real winner with her debut book, A FOOL AND HIS MONET, in this new Serena Jones Mystery series. Orchard's plot is filled with some badass characters, a hunky potential and enough dicey situations to keep you turning the pages to see how it all turns out. The romance is slow and the action is hot, so a nice combo to start the series. Now, I'm just waiting for the next book to find out what Serena will handle next! She is licensed to make you laugh as well as learn a little more about art and crime! Enjoy!